The private rooms of the Dean
The first floor in the palace was occupied by the private rooms of the Dean, which lead to the cloister. Between them a late gothic chapel with tiles of the XVI century on the floor and on the altar.
In this space is the painting room where oils on canvas are mainly exhibited by Vicente Berdusán, considered the best barroque painter in the XVII century in Navarra. His Works ,thematically religious were numerous. In fact they can still be watched in different churches or convents in Tudela.
Dean's chapel
XVI century. Dean's Palace in Tudela.
© Museo de Tudela, 2020
Featured pieces
"Santa Catalina de Alejandría"
In the museum we find “Glorificación de San Juan de la Cruz”, “Child with cross”, “Saint James” and “Santa Catalina de Alejandría”.
The last one comes from San Nicolás church. It is a large-sized picture, dated and signed in 1693, last stage of the artist’s work, as we can see on the canvas (left inferior corner).
This martyr appears richly dressed, kneeling and contemplating some angels (part of the artist’s personal characteristics) how they are coming down from the heaven with the crown and the palm-tree, symbol of martyrdom. Her left hand rests on the remains of the wheel of martyrdom studded with iron teeth on the ground and the sword, final instrument of her death.
“Santa Catalina de Alejandría”
Oil on canvas, 1693. Vicente Berdusán. San Nicolas church.
© Museo de Tudela, 2020
Featured pieces
"Final Judgement"
One of the most special pieces of the collection is this Flemish table of XVII century “Final Judgement”. The techniques and iconography used take us to Jheronimus Bosch and his school, so, in historiography this piece has frequently been attributed to the environment ot this painter.
The essence of the Bosco symbology can be seen in this oil on wood: hell, punishment and sin are part of his work represented by darkness and by actions and objects of beings that appear. We appreciate two luminous and colorful points. On the left, we can spot an island on the other side where some angels wait to help the blessed, and in the superior part, Christ judge appears, central element of the panel, with the trumpeter angels calling for judgement, and the Apostles around.
“Final Judgement”
Oil on panel. XVI century. Jheronimus Bosch’s school. Tudela’s Cathedral
© Museo de Tudela, 2020